Ranger
Rangers might come from similar backgrounds as barbarians and druids, being prominent among societies that still embrace rural activity and a more rustic way of thinking. Even among civilized and modernized lands there is a need for those capable of navigating the wild and maintaining the delicate balance between nature and advancement so that roads are kept safe and exploiters do not abuse the land. Some even make their home in urban environments, acting as trackers and bounty hunters or serving as scouts and infiltrates into enemy lands.
Many rangers are followers of Gilead the hunter and many more emerge from the great expanse of The Vast, the rolling central plains lands that are home to all manner of exotic creatures and threats both of the world and from other worlds. Here they punish poachers as well as protect settlements from dangerous creatures that have found their way to the world through one of The Vast’s many broken planar walls.
Rangers have a similar outlook to druids although some Rangers are simply men and women trained to survive, hunt and track in the wild. These Rangers may go their entire lives without ever casting a divine spell but other Rangers may learn to listen to the whispering words of the Yn’Drassil Union and to call upon its magic. Like Druids a deity in terms of divine magic does not limit them but instead they tap into the natural magic of the world that was given life and embodiment many ages ago.
Ranger Options
The Emblem of Ea uses a modified version of the 3.5 ranger meant to take advantage of certain elements of our theme, in particular the inclusion of firearms and how they may impact traditions of the hunter, scout and Rangers. This new Ranger-Style is part of the standard array of the Ranger and the adjustments to the class can be seen below.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A ranger is proficient with all simple and martial weapons as well as all firearms, and with light armor and shields (except tower shields).
Combat Style (Ex): At 2nd level, a ranger must select one of three combat styles to pursue: archery, gunnery or two-weapon combat. This choice affects the character’s class features but does not restrict his selection of feats or special abilities in any way.
If the ranger selects archery, he is treated as having the Rapid Shot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
If the ranger selects gunnery, he gains the Lightning Reload feat as a bonus feat.
If the ranger selects two-weapon combat, he is treated as having the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
The benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor.
Improved Combat Style (Ex): At 6th level, a ranger’s aptitude in his chosen combat style (archery, gunnery or two-weapon combat) improves.
If he selected archery at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Manyshot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
If the ranger selected gunnery at 2nd level, he is able to reload pistols as a free action and thusly capable of using his full attack with his pistols. In addition, he is capable of reloading a two-weapon firearm such as a long rifle or musket as a move action.
If the ranger selected two-weapon combat at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Improved Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
As before, the benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor.
Combat Style Mastery (Ex): At 11th level, a ranger’s aptitude in his chosen combat style (archery, gunnery or two-weapon combat) improves again.
If he selected archery at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Improved Precise Shot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
If the ranger selected gunnery at 2nd level, he is capable of reloading a two-hand firearm as a free action and is thusly capable of using such a weapon with his full attack.
If the ranger selected two-weapon combat at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Greater Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
As before, the benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor.
Prestige Classes: Rangers can benefit from a number of martial prestige classes as well as classes that work well with their natural inclination to track and hunt such as Daemon Hunter.